The most beautiful places in the UK have been named, with several spots up north elbowing their way onto the list.
From mystical caves in the Lake District to the Mediterranean-style architecture in… Wales… there are so many stunning places to explore on our doorstep.
Time Out’s list of the 15 most beautiful places in the UK, compiled by travel writers, has picked out ‘pinch-me’ destinations across the nation.
Several of the places chosen are within a couple of hours’ drive of Manchester, too, so you really don’t have far to go to seek out the very best of the British isles.
One spot that was well-deserving of a mention is Portmeirion, a popular village in North Wales that’s famous for its colourful architecture.
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The village is the brainchild of Sir Clough Williams-Ellis and was inspired by the Mediterranean, which is plain to see in the colourful buildings and palm trees jutting out from an otherwise very British scene,
The tourist hotspot completed in 1975 and Time Out says it’s ‘like something out of a dream’.
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Portmeirion village in North Wales has been named one of the most beautiful places in the UK. Credit: Unsplash Karen CannShambles in York. Credit: Unsplash, Karl Moran
The guide said: “This unique tourist village has established itself as the most romantic spot in north Wales.
“Of course, it certainly helps if it comes with Italianate architecture, colourful facades and an unforgettable sense of romance. How could you not fall for Portmeirion?”
Another spot in the north of England that has been named one of the most beautiful places in the UK is Rydal Caves, tucked in the heart of the Lake District.
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Now us Mancs know that nowhere in the country can compare to the majestic scenes right across the national park, but there is something really special about the dramatic cave system.
Located right between Grasmere and Ambleside, they’re accessible in just a 15 minute walk from the nearest car park.
Rydal Caves in the Lake District made Time Out’s list of the Most Beautiful Places. Credit: Unsplash, Jonny Gios
You can leap across stepping stones all the way to the back of the cave, then look back out at the surrounding woodland through the cave’s huge entrance.
This spot was chosen by Netflix for scenes of the second season of The Witcher – told you it was magical.
Over in Yorkshire (and it’s a surprise to no one to see this on the list), is The Shambles in York.
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The well-preserved medieval street features ramshackle buildings, cobbled street, and quaint little shops, and again looks like something straight out of a storybook.
Skipping over its gory past, Time Out said: “There are few easier, more atmospheric ways to transport yourself back hundreds of years (without the iffy smells and sights) than a stroll down Shambles.”
Digital driving licences will be introduced across the UK later this year
Emily Sergeant
Digital driving licences are set to be introduced across the UK later this year, it has been announced.
Science Secretary Peter Kyle has announced today that, before 2025 is out, Brits will be given the option to use a digital version of their driver’s licence from their phone to easily prove their age when buying age restricted items online and in person, as well as proving their right to drive.
A mobile driver’s licence is set to be one of the first digital documents in a GOV.UK wallet app that’s being launched later this year.
— Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (@SciTechgovuk) January 21, 2025
The new wallet will allow users to securely store Government-issued documents on their phone, such as DBS checks, Veteran Cards, and loads more, as well as driving licences, and use them easily when needed by making use of a range of security features that are built into modern smart phones – including facial recognition checks.
According to the Government, the new service means that digital documents will be more secure, even if a device is lost.
Traditional physical documents will still remain available, however.
Digital driving licences will be introduced across the UK later this year / Credit: GDS
The mobile driver’s licence will be piloted later in 2025, and all Government services will have to offer a digital alternative, alongside paper or card credentials, by the end of 2027 under plans set out by the blueprint for digital Government.
“This is a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID,” commented Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander.
“The innovation puts power back in the hands of the people, making everyday interactions faster, easier, and more secure. We are delivering on the Plan for Change by making public services work for everyone.”
Featured Image – Pxhere
Travel & Tourism
Plans to bring Greater Manchester’s rail services onto the Bee Network unveiled
Emily Sergeant
Ambitious plans to bring all rail services in Greater Manchester onto the Bee Network have been unveiled this week.
After the success of all the region’s buses returning to local control at the start of the year, Mayor Andy Burnham has set out Greater Manchester’s step-by-step plan to bring rail into the Bee Network by 2028, working alongside the rail industry to do this as the next part of his joined-up ‘London-style’ public transport system, which is intended to boost passenger numbers, and drive growth across the region.
Developed in partnership with the rail industry, Department for Transport (DfT) and Shadow Great British Rail, Mr Burnham says his plan is aimed at not only improving transport but unlocking major regeneration and housing opportunities on land around the region’s stations too.
Greater Manchester’s proposition is for eight commuter rail lines, covering 64 stations, to be brought into the Bee Network in three phases over the next five years.
Under the plan, the first two lines – which will work to connect Manchester to Glossop and Stalybridge, in Tameside – will join the Bee Network by December 2026, and then a further 32 stations, and all lines within Greater Manchester, would join by 2030.
Not only that, but Greater Manchester leaders have also committed to working with the Government and the rail industry to “improve reliability” and “implement service changes” to help drive growth too.
If all goes to plan, the first branded Bee Network train will be running by the end of 2026.
Bus, tram and train will finally be united in a tap-in, tap-out payment system with a daily cap offering much better value for money than existing rail fares.
Another major change is that TfGM has said it will work with the rail industry to accelerate the delivery of accessibility improvements – with more than 60% of stations on the eight lines set to have step-free access by 2028, compared to 43% at the end of 2024.
“Our rail system today is acting as a brake on growth and, as the UK’s fastest growing city-region, Greater Manchester deserves better,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham, as he unveiled his plans this week.
“We need a railway that is reliable and fully integrated with the rest of the Bee Network to drive growth and deliver new homes with public transport connections on the doorstep.
“Our plan puts passengers first by delivering a simplified, joined-up public transport network, with better services, stations and overall experience. Only by making travel by train more reliable, simpler, flexible and accessible to everyone, will we convince more people to leave the car at home and make the switch to the Bee Network.”
Daisy Jackson -
17th May 2024 
